Of all cancers, skin cancer is the most common in the United States. The cause of the three most common, basal cell, squamous and melanoma is primarily long-term sun exposure, particularly severe sunburns. Kaposi's Sarcoma and Paget's Disease are less common forms of skin cancer. Lymphoma can also develop in the skin, but this condition is only found in about one out of 40 patients with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This cancer is the most common. It normally occurs on skin subjected to sunlight. It often starts as a small and shiny raised growth that usually enlarges very slowly, although some can grow as much as 1/2 inch in a year. In some cases the growth may be pale red or look like a scar. It can resemble a sore that scabs over rather than a cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This cancer is usually found on sunlight-affected skin as well, although it can appear in the mouth. It starts as a thick and scaly growth with an irregular appearance. Fair-skinned people are more susceptible to this cancer than dark-skinned.
Melanoma
This cancer begins in the pigment-producing skin cells (melanocytes). It can start on normal skin or in an already existing pigmented mole. Appearance varies from flat irregular patches to raised spots with multicolors.
Kaposi's Sarcoma
This cancer creates multiple patches that can be red, brown or purple. It is caused by herpes virus type eight. Older men of Mediterranean or Jewish origin may be prone to this. People with AIDS can also develop Kaposi's.
Paget's Disease
Paget's is a rare skin cancer originating under the skin or in glands. It usually forms on the nipple from a cancer of breast milk ducts that has spread to the skin. Men and women can both get this cancer. It may develop in the genital area or around the anus, as well. It looks red and oozes, then crusts.
Skin Lymphoma
Also called Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma, this is a rare cancer and is a form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Symptoms include dry and scaly skin with a red rash and often accompanying itching. The patches may grow and increase in height even turning into nodular tumors.
Warning
Any change in an existing mole or new skin growth should be examined by a dermatologist. Even the most dangerous melanoma can be cured if it is caught before it grows more than 1/32 of an inch into the skin. Once the surface is larger than the eraser on a pencil, it becomes much more difficult to control. The potential danger of any skin cancer is not a subject for self-diagnosis or treatment. The information here is not meant to treat, diagnose or advise on any medical condition.
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